Table 2.

Coding tree for written comments recorded in surveys

Themes		Sub-themes (n)	Number of Endorsements
	n
Variability amongst chiropractors	0	No distinct sub-themes were identified	55
Areas where chiropractic is perceived as effective	4	Mechanical low back pain	16
		Musculoskeletal disorders	16
		Non-surgical injuries	8
		Spinal complaints	3
Concerns with chiropractic treatment	6	Chiropractic care is of marginal or no benefit	13
		Non-musculoskeletal complaints	12
		Serious adverse events	11
		General medical care	8
		Non-spinal complaints	7
		Structural scoliosis	3
Patient Interaction	4	Chiropractic terminology is misleading	17
		Chiropractors make false or exaggerated claims	13
		Chiropractors spend considerable time with patients	6
Chiropractic training	2	Chiropractors are poorly trained	10
		Other therapists can provide spinal manipulation	8
Unethical Behavior	4	Chiropractors treat excessively	18
		Chiropractors are overly financially motivated	15
		General ethical concerns	5
		Chiropractic requires stronger regulatory oversight	5
Scientific basis of chiropractic	2	Chiropractic is unscientific	20
		More chiropractic research is needed	6
Personal experiences with chiropractic	3	Positive experiences	13
		Negative experiences	4
		Uncertainty as to the role of chiropractic	4